For those who consider a pet their “furbaby,” traveling isn’t the same without your best “furfriends.” Living in California, you won’t have to “work like a dog” to figure out where to go on vacation.
Touted as the “Dog Friendliest State” by Reader’s Digest in 2019, California boasts many dog-friendly restaurants, parks and attractions that make pets, everything from dogs and cats to parrots, and their human hosts feel like the top dog.
In days past, most travelers would have to go to great lengths to find accommodations that accepted pets. However, much has changed in the last decade, many, if not most, national hotel and motel chains now accept pets, for an additional fee.
California is home to a wide variety of pet-friendly hotels and resorts, many of which offer special amenities for furry friends.
Luxury Vacations
Everyone, including your pet, can savor a luxury vacation.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 92629
Info ww.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel/hotel-overview
Hang out with your “best friend” as you play on the lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This beach retreat offers spa treatments, an eco-adventure center for surfing and whale watching and is adjacent to the Monarch Beach Golf Course with ocean view links.
This hotel offers a “Posh Pooch” gift bag, hand-painted bowls, beds, doggy dining menu and monthly Yappy Hours with libations of flavored water, bacon, chicken, beef or vegan, with dog-inspired wines for the humans.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, 92011
Info ww.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/park-hyatt-aviara-resort
Visit the beautiful garden that lies between the hotel and the ocean, a fantasia of palms, with orange blossoms, jasmine, hibiscus and parrot lilies. Amenities include an upscale spa, tennis, volleyball, badminton and bocce courts.
Frolic in the Southern California sun at these dog-friendly parks and beaches in and near Carlsbad: Main Beach area (northern end of Powerhouse Park to 29th Street), South Beach area (Powerhouse Park south to Torrey Pines border at 6th Street), San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff By the Sea (2050 S. Coast Highway 101), San Elijo Lagoon Trail, Encinitas, (3200-3298 Manchester Ave.), Alga Norte Community Park, Carlsbad (6565 Alicante Road) and Ann D. L’Heureux Memorial Dog Park, Carlsbad (2600 Carlsbad Village Drive).
Great Getaways
Enjoy a weekend getaway at these special pet-friendly accommodations.
Beachcomber Motel & Spa, Mendocino Coast
1111 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, 95437
Info ww.thebeachcombermotel.com/overview/pet-friendly/
Pet guests get a welcome kit with treats, waste bags, sheet and towel and can stay in specially designed rooms for dogs. The Dog Suite features a dog house, lowered pet shower and a doggy door to the dog park and human amenities such as a kitchenette and ocean view.
Cypress Inn, Carmel
Lincoln St and 7th Avenue
Carmel-By-The-Sea, 93921
Info ttps://cypress-inn.com/pet-friendly-carmel-hotel/
An elegant pet-friendly boutique inn located in the heart of Carmel, one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country, a place where dogs can run free on Carmel Beach, walk on-leash throughout the quaint village and often find water bowls and doggie treats at many businesses. This inn welcomes dogs with blankets, beds, bowls, treats, a list of pet sitters and a “Yappy Hour” with Muttinis. Doggie pick-up bags, and a spot to wash off your pet after a romp on the beach, are located in the courtyard.
Hotel Republic, San Diego
421 West B St., San Diego, 92101
Info ttp://hotelrepublicsd.com/stay/amenities/
Enjoy all that San Diego has to offer at this hotel near the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego.
The “Pups & Paws Package” features a dog bed and bowls, blanket and special gifts such as a dog tag, chew toy, daily locally sourced dog bone, daily special menu offering and daily bottled water.
Exploring Nature
Bring your pet as you explore the great outdoors.
AutoCamp Airstream Experience
Santa Barbara, Sonoma County and Yosemite
Info ttps://autocamp.com
AutoCamp offers more than 40 pet friendly rooms in Airstream trailers at their properties in Santa Barbara, Russian River and Yosemite. Each pet gets a treat, luxury bedding, bowls and a local pet-friendly service guide.
Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite
1122 CA-41, Fish Camp, 93623
Info www.tenayalodge.com
Located near Yosemite National Park’s south entrance, Tenaya Lodge offers a basecamp for Sierra discovery. Named “Best Pet-Friendly Resort” by Sunset Magazine, this hotel offers pet beds, bowls and special housemade treats. Guests can also get their furbaby upgrades such as a dog massage.
